The Presbyterians

No One is Exempt…

To In William Cochran Collector for the Presbyterian Parish in Pembroke for this present year you are hereby required in the name of the Government and people of Said State to Levy and collect of the several persons named in the list of taxes herewith committed unto you the sum of money afixed to each of their names in the said list and pay the same to us or our order by the first day of March next and if any person or persons named in said list shall neglect or refuse to pay the same by distress and sail of his her or their goods on…which you re to keep for the space of four days and then to sell the same by public outcry or…to the highest bidder giving twenty four hours. Public notice of said saile beforehand rendering the overplush if any there be unto the owner a deducting his or their tax with your fees and all legal charges and for want of goods or…to be shuen unto you or to be found within your present wheren to make such distress you are to take the body or bodies of him her or them and him her or them Committee to the goal in Exeter in our country hereby requiring the keeper thereof to receive him her or them. So committed and him her or them distaid in said goal until he she or they pay the sum or sums after each of their names to each of their names with your fees and charges or be otherwise discharged by law for which this shall be your sufficient warrant given under our bonds and seals at Dembia.

Anno Donini. 1785

Interpreted…

All people of the Presbyterian Parish of Pembroke are required to pay their taxes (to the Congregational parish) by March 1st. If anyone refuses or neglects to pay, their belongings will be sold at the public auction to the highest bidders. If, after paying the taxes and legal fees, there is money left, it will be given to the owner. If the person has no goods, he/she shall be sent to jail in Exeter, NH and will remain in jail until such time as they are able to pay.

The Congregationalists vs. The Presbyterians

The Scot-Irish Presbyterians took exception to certain religious views of Rev. Whittemore and the law causing them to contribute to the support of the Congregation Church. After over 20 years of distention between the two groups, the Presbyterians finally built their own church in 1760. Rev. Daniel Mitchell was chosen to lead the church, and was the only minister ever settled over this church. The church was located on a small hill just south of the Colonial Farm on Pembroke Street (presently the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Peaslee). After many unsuccessful attempts to unite with the congregationalists in the support of a minister, the two churches, after long consideration, voted themselves one “consociated church.” Soon after this union, a call was given to Mr. Abraham Burnham to settle in the ministry of the united congregation.